When wildfires burn, they produce smoke made of a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. This can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
The greatest risk from wildfire smoke is to those who have heart or lung diseases, asthma, and children and older adults.
Take steps to decrease your risk from wildfire smoke.
- Check local air quality reports such as AirNow.gov.
- Keep indoor air as clean as possible if you are advised to stay indoors. Keep windows and doors closed.
- Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution such as burning candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Vacuuming can also contribute to indoor pollution.
- Prevent wildfires from starting.
- Follow the advice of your doctor or other healthcare provider about medicines and your respiratory health.
- Consider evacuating if you are having trouble breathing. Call your doctor for advice if your symptoms worsen.
- Do not rely on dust masks for protection.
- Evacuate from the path of wildfires.
- Protect your eyes, nose, skin and lungs when cleaning up after a fire.
